Cricket is the victim!
India's tour of Pakistan is not really about cricket. It is about the safety of the Indians who go out there to play. It is about the Rs. 450 crores (US $ 90 million) or more that everyone concerned will make from this series. Above all, it is about politicians on both sides shooting from the shoulders of the 11 on either side of the volatile border. Such conditions usually do not make for good cricket - which is a pity because we have a great bowling line-up in Akhtar and co. lined up against a good batting side. The political and financial pressure on both teams, and the FEAR OF LOSING will adequately ensure that cricket is the victim. After all, no one on either side likes his car, or worse, his/his family's life threatened by fanatics if the unthinkable happens - a loss!! Much as I hate neutral venues - if any series has to played in a neutral venue - it should have been this series. It will take one madman in the crowd or the streets in Pakistan to derail this tour completely. And that will be a pity! And you thought this was a cricket series?
